

Two conductors, one legendary ensemble, and 230 years of buried treasure—Baroque doesn't do 'chill.'
Since William Christie founded Les Arts Florissants in 1979, they have strengthened year after year their reputation as one of the world’s premiere ensembles for early and Baroque music. For this 40th anniversary concert from 2019 at the stunning Philharmonie de Paris, core artists from “Les Arts Flo” reunite to perform some of the ensemble’s trademark pieces, from Lully’s Atys—a long-forgotten masterpiece they revived in 1987 over 230 years after its last performance—to the great operas of Rameau and gems by the likes of Charpentier, Purcell, and Handel. This celebratory concert features another first for the storied ensemble, as Christie shares conducting duties with Paul Agnew! Riveting from beginning to end, this Baroque Odyssey encapsulates all the qualities—world-class instrumentalists, impeccable Baroque vocalists, cannily chosen repertoire—that have made Les Arts Florissants such a beloved and enduring fixture in the classical world.
Direction
Leconte captures the Philharmonie's gorgeous acoustics without getting fussy.
Production
Christie and Agnew's shared podium—passing the Baroque baton in real time.

Director
Corentin Leconte
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Les Arts Florissants' 1987 Atys revival didn't just bring Lully back—it invented the modern Baroque opera industry.
Paul Agnew was literally raised in this ensemble; this concert marks his unofficial coronation as Christie's successor.
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